The accolades keep rolling in for the Kia EV3 as it claims yet another prestigious title—‘Best EV Crossover’ at the TopGear.com Electric Awards 2025. This latest recognition from one of the industry’s most discerning voices affirms what both critics and customers have been saying since the EV3 first arrived: Kia’s smallest electric SUV is a class act.
The award follows hot on the heels of the EV3’s earlier triumph at the 2024 TopGear.com Awards, where it was named ‘Crossover of the Year’, and builds on a sweeping awards season that has already seen the EV3 earn the titles of 2025 UK Car of the Year and 2025 World Car of the Year. It also holds the distinction of being the UK’s best-selling electric vehicle to retail customers in Q1 and year-to-date.
“The EV3 has enjoyed an excellent start to 2025,” said Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK Limited. “It’s not only the UK’s best-selling EV to retail customers so far this year, but has also earned both UK and World Car of the Year awards. Being recognised as Top Gear’s Best EV Crossover is another fantastic achievement and further testament to how impressive the EV3 is.”
Putting the EV3 to the Test—Even in the Outback
What makes the TopGear.com award particularly compelling is the real-world scrutiny behind it. Ollie Kew, Senior Road Test Editor at TopGear.com, pushed the EV3 far beyond the average test route—through Australia’s unforgiving Outback. Despite extreme heat, long stretches of remote terrain, and the demands of a gruelling schedule, the EV3 performed flawlessly.
“I drove the EV3 across the Outback… the Kia just trucked along,” Kew noted. “The aircon blew ice cool, no numb bum after a four-hour stint, it exudes a grownup, big car feel… The most impressive bit? Despite the distance, the temperature, the relentless schedule and the impromptu off roading there were no error messages or glitches.”
Kew summed up his experience by calling the EV3 a “sensible but complete little car”—high praise from a publication known for its tough standards.
Affordable, Capable, and Cleverly Engineered
While the EV3 may be Kia’s most affordable electric car, it is anything but basic. It offers the longest range of any Kia EV—up to 375 miles on a single charge*—and comes loaded with features typically found in vehicles well above its price point.
Even in entry-level ‘Air’ trim, buyers can expect a wealth of standard features including:
- All-round LED lighting
- Flush door handles for improved aerodynamics
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality
- A sophisticated triple-screen cockpit, featuring:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation
- 5.3-inch climate control panel
- 12.3-inch driver display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- Seven years of free access to Kia Connect services
Looking Ahead: More EVs on the Horizon
The success of the EV3 is just the beginning. As Paul Philpott highlights, Kia’s electric line-up is set to expand even further in 2025: “Both the EV4 and EV5 are coming to the showrooms of our nationwide dealer partners by year end, further enhancing our customer offering and making the switch to electric even more seamless.”
With a fast-growing portfolio, award-winning engineering, and increasing mainstream appeal, Kia continues to cement its place at the forefront of the EV revolution.
